On June 13, 2025, Israel launched "Operation Rising Lion"against Iran's nuclear program, with the Natanz uranium enrichment facility as a primary target. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the strikes aimed to destroy Iran's nuclear weapons capabilities, calling Natanz "the heart of Iranโs nuclear enrichment program" . The attack involved **200 fighter jets** hitting over 100 sites across Iran, including nuclear scientists' residences and missile facilities .
The UN nuclear watchdog (IAEA) confirmed Natanz was "impacted," though no radiation leaks were detected . Six Iranian nuclear scientists were killed, and Revolutionary Guards commander Hossein Salami was among senior military leaders assassinated . Iran retaliated by firing 100+ drones at Israel, intercepted by Jordan and Israeli defenses .
The strikes occurred despite ongoing U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, which Iran suspended afterward . Israel cited Iran's uranium enrichment nearing "weaponization" as justification .